About LAP-BAND® Surgery

The LAP-BAND® is an adjustable silicone ring that is placed around the top of the stomach. Band tightness can be adjusted by adding or removing saline through a port, which is implanted under the skin of the abdomen. The operation is done laparoscopically, typically through 5 small incisions.

A well-performed LAP-BAND® operation typically takes about an hour. Surgery is usually outpatient, and recovery is generally rapid because of the minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. Patients typically return to work in about one week.

LAP-BAND® Weight Loss

The better published studies show an average of 40-50% excess weight loss (EWL) at 1-3 years after LAP-BAND® surgery. Disclaimer – these statistics are averages, individual patients can lose more or less than the average. The LAP-BAND® enables weight loss by suppressing hunger and causing more satiety with smaller meal portions.More about LAP-BAND® weight loss

A Word about Patient Outcomes

Published studies show that outcomes – weight loss and complications – vary significantly between surgeons. Surgeon performance follows a “bell curve” distribution – most surgeons achieve average outcomes, a small percentage achieve poor outcomes, and a small percentage achieve excellent outcomes.

How Does LAP-BAND® Compare with Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Weight Loss
Although individual results can vary, weight loss outcomes are better on average after sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass (70-80% EWL) than after the LAP-BAND® (40-50% EWL).

Complications
Early postoperative complications are more frequent after sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass than after LAP-BAND®. Long-term complications are more frequent after the LAP-BAND® than after the sleeve gastrectomy. Long-term complications are more frequent, but of lower severity, after the LAP-BAND® than after the gastric bypass.

When is LAP-BAND® a Better Choice?

The LAP-BAND® might be a better choice for patients who value the reversibility of the LAP-BAND®, or the less invasive nature of the LAP-BAND® operation. Dr. Oliak’s experience has been that the sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass are better operations for long-term weight loss and patient satisfaction for most patients.

Am I a Candidate?

Candidates for LAP-BAND® surgery are generally at least 50-100 pounds overweight (BMI 30 or greater), and have tried and failed in the past to lose weight and keep it off. Insurance companies are generally more restrictive, requiring patients to have a BMI of at least 35.Calculate body mass index (BMI)

What are the Risks?

The risk for complications is very low initially after surgery, but increases over time. Long-term potential issues include heartburn, reflux, the feeling of food getting stuck, vomiting, insufficient hunger suppression, and insufficient weight loss.More about risks

Why Choose Dr Oliak?

Simple – his record of excellent patient outcomes. Outcomes – weight loss results and complication rates – are important, and they vary by surgeon. Dr. Oliak’s LAP-BAND® Orange County outcomes have ranked significantly ahead of the published industry averages since he began doing LAP-BAND® surgery in Orange County in 2002.*About Dr. OliakOur outcomes statisticsOur testimonials

Our LAP-BAND® Orange County Program

Dr. Oliak and his LAP-BAND® Orange County program have established a record of excellent, industry-leading patient outcomes by providing best-in-class surgery and patient care.*

Call 714-582-2530 or submit the following information to request a free consult. If you have insurance coverage for weight loss surgery (or are self-pay), and you meet the BMI criteria for surgery, we will schedule you for a 30-40 minute educational consultation with Dr. Oliak.